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Just read a story on hantavirus outbreak in Yosemite National Park. More specifically, infected visitors staying in Curry Village tent cabins that are infested with deer mice. Mice are known to carry the airborne virus in droppings, urine and saliva. Has anyone on this website had mice problems while staying in Curry village tent cabins over the years. I have a pole building near my home where I store forestry equipment, air-dried boards, etc. Lots of evidence of mice presence in this building. Maybe I should take some steps to make the building mouse-proof. Are some human physical conditions more at risk to hantavirus than others? Any thoughts on this subject.
Scott

I have noticed an increase in small four legged critters running around my rural home since my cat died a couple of years ago. I see more squirrels, rabbits, etc having their way around the house and outbuilding. The squirrels dig through loose gravels adjacent to the outbuilding to enter and make a nest. I am having some asphalt paving next to the building this week so that should slow down squirrel entry. I have trapped many mice, but it appears to be a numbers game. And a mouse can get through a tiny hole. Maybe I can rent a hawk for a week!

I think the CDC has some precautions for dealing with mouse infestations. Water and bleach sprayed over mouse turds, wearing a mask, etc. I think the most dangerous issue is dried up mouse turd dust getting in the air.

Curry Village had an "Infected" mouse problem as apposed to just a mouse problem. But definitely take precautions, you don't want that virus.

If you've ever visited India or other "developing" countries you'll have noticed the similarity between Curry Village and a third world slum. Cram lots of people in a small place, where garbage and sewage and lack of incentive for residents to take responsibility for maintaining cleanliness are problems, and it shouldn't be a surprise that rodent borne diseases are present. I'm surprised they have never had cases of bubonic plague.

Is it just me, or is this whole hantavirus thing being overplayed in the media or what? A 33% death rate is nothing to joke about, for sure. But in practically every hiking book I own, there is always a mention of hantavirus somewhere, and some of those hiking books are over 10 years old. I was up in Tuolumne when this whole hantavirus thing was going on, and I believe another person came down with it at one of the backcountry camps, but overall I feel like a lot of this is just media hype.

I mean... is there ANY evidence that more mice are becoming infected with the virus? Is there really an overwhelming cause for concern?

Can somebody with some type of scientific background chime in here? When I told my family from out of state, who were freaking out that I was even THINKING of going to Yosemite during the "outbreak," they were startled to find out that it has been present for a long time.

Seems like media hype to me....

Gusto

McGusto-the media would never overplay anything. They are very serious about their duty to society. Integrity is priority 1 and I think that is obvious.

TinOmen-love the Aliens quote.